Timeless Truths. Mission Possible Lesson 3 - The Road to Greatness
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.[a] So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.
3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
10 Now there was a believer[b] in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers[c] in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward, he ate some food and regained his strength.
Saul stayed with the believers[d] in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”
22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah
Acts 1: 1-22 (New Living Translation)
An argument can be made that Saul's conversion is the second most important event in history.
Paul's letters compose nearly one-half of the pages of the New Testament.
Paul's letters compose nearly one-half of the pages of the New Testament.
Paul's Letters
Galatians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians, Philippians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.
INTRODUCTION
Everyone's conversion story is unique. No two stories are the same in every detail. In Paul's story, we see some principles that apply to all of us. Saul thought he was on the road to revenge. But, the story that begins with Saul on the road to Damascus, ends with Paul on the road to greatness. How'd he get there?
Commitment
Give yourself and your situation--including problems--to God.
Hands with palms down, giving up control.
This is not a one-time event. It's a daily commitment.
Commitment
Give yourself and your situation--including problems--to God.
Hands with palms down, giving up control.
This is not a one-time event. It's a daily commitment.
THE ROAD TO GREATNESS HAS AN OPEN LANE FOR EACH OF US--EVERYONE
Past roads don't matter.
There is a place for you to be used by God in a great way.
No one is too far gone to be used by God.
Proof.
This passage begins with Saul breathing fire against Christians and ends with Paul preaching the Gospel.
There is a place for you to be used by God in a great way.
No one is too far gone to be used by God.
Proof.
This passage begins with Saul breathing fire against Christians and ends with Paul preaching the Gospel.
THE ROAD TO GREATNESS IS UPHILL ALL THE WAY
God makes life better.
BUT, no matter who or what, everyone goes through difficult times.
Having the presence of Christ gives you the advantage.
Christians have greater accountability for the world around us.
You must choose conviction over convenience.
Trouble followed Paul throughout his ministry.
Christians are not immune to hurt in hurting situations.
BUT, no matter who or what, everyone goes through difficult times.
Having the presence of Christ gives you the advantage.
Christians have greater accountability for the world around us.
You must choose conviction over convenience.
Trouble followed Paul throughout his ministry.
Christians are not immune to hurt in hurting situations.
You can't give up if the results of your work are
not as quick as you expected or
not what you expected.
Thanks to Rev. Larry Pitcher for the primary teachings in this post.
The next Timeless Truth: Mission Possible Lesson 4 - Breaking Down Barriers
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